Nima Dorji

Dean

Associate Professor of Comparative Constitutional Law, Bhutanese Constitutional Law, and Gross National Happiness and Law.

Biography

Dr. Nima Dorji is the Dean of the Jigme Singye Wangchuck School of Law (JSW Law), Bhutan’s first law school. Prior to his appointment as Dean, he served as Vice Dean and Associate Professor at JSW Law, where he played a key role in advancing the School’s academic programmes, research initiatives, and institutional development.

Dr. Nima Dorji is one of the founding faculty members of JSW Law and has been closely involved in the School’s growth since its establishment. Before joining JSW Law, he served as a Legal Officer at the Bhutan National Legal Institute (BNLI), Bhutan’s Judicial Academy, and was among the founding staff members of the institute.

He holds a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Law from the University of Victoria, Canada, a Master of Laws (LL.M.) from the University of Canberra, Australia, a Bachelor of Law and Arts (B.A., LL.B.) from NALSAR University of Law, India, and a Postgraduate Diploma in National Law (PGDNL) from the Royal Institute of Management, Bhutan.

His research examines the intersection of law and happiness, with particular focus on the relationship between happiness and constitutionalism. His broader academic interests include constitutional law, legal theory, governance, Gross National Happiness, and the Rule of Law.

Dr. Nima Dorji was a founding editorial member of the Bhutan Law Review, Bhutan’s first law journal, and currently serves as Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Gross National Happiness and Law, published under the JSW Law Publishing Series.

As a scholar, educator, and institutional leader, Dr. Nima Dorji has contributed significantly to the development of legal education, research, and scholarship in Bhutan, and continues to advance JSW Law’s mission of promoting Justice, Service, and Wisdom.

Areas of Interest

Constitutional Law
Gross National Happiness and Law
Election Law
Buddhism and Law
Climate Change, Sustainability and Environmental Law

Publications

“Happiness, Right to” in Christina Binder & et al. edns., Elgar Encyclopedia of Human Rights (Forthcoming, 2022)
The Journal of Gross National Happiness and Law, (February 2021) Nima Dorji & et al. edns. Vol. 1 (Inaugural Journal of GNH & Law).
“The Greening of the Constitution: Constitutionalisation of Environmental Protection for Happiness” (November 2020) 1 The Journal of Gross National Happiness and Law 209-243.
“Bhutan: The Role of Constitutional Monarch in Public Health Crisis” in Victor V. Ramraj edns., Covid-19 in Asia (Co-authored with Sonam Tshering) (Oxford University Press, 2020).
“Constitutional Value of Happiness” (2020) 12 Bhutan Law Review.
“The Politics of Apoliticality: In the Conflict between Political Rights and Political Neutrality, Facelessness Wins” (2018) 10 Bhutan Law Review 54-66.
“Have we undermined the law?” – Legal opinion piece on the corruption allegations between the government and the opposition party. Published by the National Newspaper Kuensel, 19 February 2018. Online version can be found at http://www.kuenselonline.com/have-we-undermined-the-law/.
“The Constitution of Bhutan” in David Law & et al. edns., The Oxford Handbook of Constitutional Law in Asia (Co-authored with Michael Peil) (Oxford University Press) – Forthcoming.
“Constitutionalisation of Democracy for Happiness in Bhutan” – A book chapter (Forthcoming).

Courses

Comparative Constitutional Law.
Bhutanese Constitutional Law.
Gross National Happiness and Law.
Research Seminar on Bhutanese Law and Legislation.

Education History

PhD. (Currently pursuing), University of Victoria, Canada.
LL.M. University of Canberra, Australia.
PGDNL. Royal Institute of Management, Bhutan.
BA.LLB (Hons.). NALSAR University of Law, India.

Nima Dorji

Biography

Areas of Interest

Publications

Courses

Education History

Chan Wing Cheong

Dema Lham

Dr. Elizabeth Allison

Dr. Stefan Hammer

Dr. Tenzin Wangchuk

Drangpon Tenzin

Frederic Bourdais

Helen Lansdowne

Hendrik Visser

Jay W Stansell

Karma Choden

Karma Lhazin

Leki Tshering

Mahesh Gajmer

Marya Terese Sherer Nielander

Panthip Pruksacholavit

Pema Wangdi

Professor Dr. Milos Vec

Professor Dr. Timothy Everett Nielandar

Rinzin Wangdi

Sonam Tshering

Tashi Tshomo

Thuji Wangmo

Tshering Dhendup

Tshering Pem

Ugyen Lhamo

Ugyen Tshomo

Ugyen Wangdi

Yeshi Lhamo